Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 2

Written Answers. - EU Human Rights Policy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

98 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he is willing to support the adoption of a comprehensive EU policy on the eradication of torture as recommended by an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29958/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

Torture is a particularly serious violation of human rights and, as such is strictly condemned by international law. In cooperation with our EU partners and other concerned states, the Government continually monitors human rights abuses in many countries throughout the world. As members of the EU and the Council of Europe, we have been involved in several practical and important initiatives aimed at eradicating the scourge of torture, including our membership of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, which has proved itself to be an efficient and practical monitoring system.

Recently, Ireland along with our EU partners, cosponsored Denmark's resolution entitled "Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment" at both the UN Commission on Human Rights and at the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly. This resolution called upon the international community to establish a global monitoring mechanism similar to that established under the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

I am aware of the proposal from Amnesty International that the EU should adopt a comprehensive policy on the eradication of torture.

An EU human rights working group of which Ireland is a member is already developing a position on EU guidelines on torture. The purpose of any proposed guidelines would be to continue the efforts to make the human rights dimension of the EU's foreign policy more operational. Any guidelines on torture would be used to provide means and methods for achieving the human rights objectives of the EU's foreign policy. While addressing specific concerns about torture would of course be the primary purpose, the guidelines would also contribute to raising the EU's human rights profile in general.